Blog

<figure id="figure-2cxsz7201fmfpddxt4" class=""><iframe id="2cxsz7201fmfpddxt4" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HS_7oXTxJ2I" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/HS_7oXTxJ2I?si=q7EsD45uS-lK2e0H&amp;t=712" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HS_7oXTxJ2I" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Zesty Twist — Rainy Day Comfort Baking When the weather cools down after a hot day, there’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. My husband recently asked me to bake chocolate chip cookies—partly because our chocolate was nearing its expiration date, and partly because, well, who doesn’t love cookies?This recipe is a classic with a twist: candied orange peel adds a subtle citrus zing that pairs beautifully with melty chocolate. But don’t worry—if you don’t have orange peel on hand, the base recipe is just as delicious.&nbsp; 🍊 Ingredients (Makes 8 thick cookies) 100g unsalted butter 100g caster sugar 30g granulated sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla sugar 220g flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp sea salt 40g candied orange peel (optional) Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (amount to taste) &nbsp; 🧁 Instructions Cream the butter and sugars: Mix the butter, caster sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla sugar until well combined. Dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Add-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and candied orange peel by hand. Shape the dough: Form the dough into a ball, then roll it into a long snake. Divide: Cut into 8 equal parts, starting from the center for even sizing. Chill: Roll each piece into a ball and refrigerate for 2–3 hours. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 170°C (338°F) for 15 minutes. Finishing touch: While the cookies are still soft, press in a few extra chocolate chips for that bakery-style look. Cool slightly and enjoy warm! &nbsp; 💡 Baking Tips Use chopped chocolate if you don’t have chips—it melts beautifully and adds texture. Customize: Swap orange peel for dried cranberries, nuts, or leave it out entirely. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor. Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days—or freeze the dough balls for future rainy days. &nbsp; I usually adjust recipes based on what’s in the fridge, and this one is no exception. The candied orange peel was a freezer find, and it turned out to be a delicious addition.&nbsp;So next time the skies turn grey, grab your mixing bowl and bake up a batch of these cozy cookies. They’re so yummy—and perfect with a cup of tea, coffee or milk.&nbsp;Here’s a collection of the things I use every day — from my camera gear to kitchen tools and home items. You can find them here in my Amazon Storefront:<a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/4gNwQju" href="https://amzn.to/4gNwQju" target="_blank" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Amazon storefront﻿</a>

Chocolate Chip Cookies

<figure id="figure-lu9y5fqhzsmfpfh4i3" class=""><iframe id="lu9y5fqhzsmfpfh4i3" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MB84ZAXJy5c" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB84ZAXJy5c&amp;source_ve_path=MTc4NDI0" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MB84ZAXJy5c" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>🎃 Pumpkin Spice Roll — A Cozy Autumn Treat with Creamy Filling Today is a typical Dutch autumn day—rain and sun playing tag across the sky. With the bedroom freshly tidied and my cat Koos perched on his little stool to watch me bake, it’s the perfect moment to whip up something seasonal and comforting: a pumpkin spice roll.I’m a big fan of anything pumpkin, and this recipe is no exception. It’s soft, spiced, and filled with a luscious cream cheese filling. Whether you're curled up with tea or dreaming of American pumpkin pie in cities like Boston or Chicago, this roll brings autumn right to your plate.&nbsp; 🍂 Ingredients For the cake: 200g pumpkin puree (from cooked pumpkin cubes) 80g flour 1 tsp baking powder 2 tsp pumpkin spice 4 eggs 75g brown sugar Pinch of salt 30g butter, melted 2 tsp vanilla extract For the filling: 200g cream cheese 250ml whipping cream 30g sugar &nbsp; 🧁 Instructions Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Puree Peel and cube a whole pumpkin. Cook the cubes for 12–15 minutes until soft. Blend 200g of the cooked pumpkin with melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter Mix flour, baking powder, and pumpkin spice in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, and salt for 5–6 minutes until fluffy. Gently fold in the flour mixture. Slowly add the pumpkin puree by hand to keep the batter airy.Step 3: Bake and Shape the Roll Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F). Spread the batter on a lined baking tray and bake for 12 minutes. While warm, flip the cake over and score lightly with a knife to help it fold. Taper one end and roll it up using parchment paper. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour. &nbsp; Step 4: Make the Filling Mix cream cheese, whipping cream, and sugar until smooth. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly. Roll it back up, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate to set. &nbsp; Final Touches Decorate with icing sugar, leftover cream filling, and autumn leaf chocolates. Slice and serve—don’t forget to save the ends as a snack for later! &nbsp; 💡 Baking Tips Use fresh pumpkin for a richer flavor, but canned works in a pinch. Score gently to avoid tearing the cake when rolling. Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, beautiful layers. Customize the filling with a dash of cinnamon or maple syrup for extra warmth. &nbsp; Now for the best part—tasting! And yes, it’s as divine as it looks. If you’re as pumpkin-obsessed as I am, check out last year’s vlog for a classic pumpkin pie recipe too.Here’s a collection of the things I use every day — from my camera gear to kitchen tools and home items. You can find them here in my Amazon Storefront:<a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/4gNwQju" href="https://amzn.to/4gNwQju" target="_blank" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Amazon storefront</a>

Pumpkin Spice Cake

<figure id="figure-j5nlvkf07omfpconf6" class=""><iframe id="j5nlvkf07omfpconf6" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Nn0nJMaZTE" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/4Nn0nJMaZTE?si=gf157CkQlYSPZ0ts&amp;t=278" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Nn0nJMaZTE" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>🧀 Brazilian Cheese Balls (Pão de Queijo) — A Taste of Travel at Home It’s been a long time since I’ve had cheese bread for breakfast, and today feels like the perfect moment to bring back that comforting ritual. Whenever I’m in Brazil for work, I always start my day with Pão de Queijo—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and best enjoyed with a cup of coffee. My husband and I affectionately call them “cheese balls,” and they never fail to bring a smile.&nbsp; 🇧🇷 What Is Pão de Queijo? Pão de Queijo is a beloved Brazilian snack made with tapioca flour and cheese. It’s naturally gluten-free and has a unique chewy texture thanks to the starch. Traditionally served warm, these little bites are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.&nbsp; 🥣 Ingredients (Makes 24 cheese balls) 200g tapioca flour 6g salt 1 egg 100g butter, melted 30ml milk 100g semi-hard cheese (e.g., Gouda), cut into small cubes 100g hard cheese (e.g., Grana Padano or Parmesan), shredded &nbsp; 🔄 Instructions Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Mix the base: In a bowl, combine the tapioca flour and salt. Add wet ingredients: Mix the melted butter and milk together, then pour into the flour. Add the egg and stir until combined. Add the cheese: Fold in the cubed Gouda and shredded Grana Padano. Knead the dough: Finish mixing by hand until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Shape: Roll the dough into a long log and cut into 24 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Serve warm with coffee or tea—and enjoy! &nbsp; 💡 Baking Tips Tapioca flour is key for the chewy texture. You can find it in South American or Asian grocery stores. You get the best results with the original brazilian tapioca starch. Use flavorful cheeses: A mix of mild and sharp cheeses gives depth. Don’t overbake—they should be lightly golden, not hard. Freeze-friendly: You can freeze the shaped dough balls and bake them fresh when needed. &nbsp; Even though my garden isn’t quite like the beaches of Brazil, these cheese balls bring a little sunshine to my morning.

Cheese balls

<figure id="figure-25pd5uy90smfpgigsq"><iframe id="25pd5uy90smfpgigsq" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JtVQnWvqr8s" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/JtVQnWvqr8s?si=HwJU3awe_l7GhTd2" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JtVQnWvqr8s" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure> 🥧 Pecan Pie Cheesecake — A Sweet Celebration of Autumn and New Beginnings When your uncle works for a nut processing company, you occasionally get lucky—like receiving a whole kilo of fresh pecan nuts. This time, I decided to turn that gift into something truly indulgent: a pecan pie cheesecake. It’s the perfect treat to celebrate a special milestone—the baby room is finally finished!This recipe is simple, satisfying, and layered with flavor: a buttery Biscoff cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a glossy pecan-caramel topping. It’s not the healthiest dessert, but it’s definitely one of the most delicious.&nbsp; 🍪 Ingredients For the crust: 75g Biscoff cookies 40g melted butter For the filling: 300g cream cheese 75g brown sugar 10g flour 30g sour cream 2 eggs 1 packet vanilla sugar For the topping: 150g pecan nuts Caramel paste (to taste) &nbsp; 🧁 Instructions Step 1: Make the Crust Crush the Biscoff cookies finely. Mix with melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of a small 18cm springform pan. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling. Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake In a bowl, mix cream cheese, brown sugar, flour, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla sugar until smooth. Pour the batter over the chilled crust. Bake at 130°C (266°F) for 60 minutes. Step 3: Make the Topping Blend caramel paste briefly to make it more spreadable. Mix with pecan nuts until evenly coated. Spread over the cooled cheesecake.&nbsp; 🎉 Serving Suggestions Dust with a little sea salt or cinnamon for extra depth. Serve chilled with whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel. Save a slice for yourself—you’ve earned it! &nbsp; This cheesecake is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of hard work, cozy autumn vibes, and the joy of preparing for a new chapter. Thank you, dear uncle, for the pecan nuts. They made this moment even sweeter.

Pecan pie cheesecake

<figure id="figure-1vcyy57iomfpfiwl1"><iframe id="1vcyy57iomfpfiwl1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jf6zpDW6ThM" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/Jf6zpDW6ThM?si=ha5T1ZJMVos2Xe9g&amp;" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jf6zpDW6ThM" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>🍏 Homemade Apple Strudel — A Cozy Autumn Classic I’ve been looking forward to baking this apple strudel all week, especially with the fresh flour we just picked up at the old windmill in Puttershoek. There’s something so comforting about the scent of apples, cinnamon, and butter wafting through the kitchen on a crisp autumn day. And of course, Koos is right by my side—hoping I drop something tasty!This traditional Austrian dessert is a celebration of simple ingredients and careful technique. With a flaky, paper-thin dough and a juicy apple filling, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy from the terrace as the garden transitions into fall.&nbsp; 🥣 Ingredients For the dough (either two small or one big apple strudel): 250g flour 1 egg 1 tbsp vegetable oil A pinch of salt 125ml lukewarm water For the filling: 5 apples, peeled and chopped Lemon juice (to prevent browning) 1 tbsp cinnamon 8g vanilla sugar 60g brown sugar Raisins to taste 80g melted butter Breadcrumbs (to soak up juices) Sliced almonds (optional) Powdered sugar (for dusting) &nbsp; 🧁 Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Dough Mix flour, egg, oil, salt, and water until a smooth dough forms. Knead by hand until elastic. If sticky, add a little more flour. Split in two equally sized pieces if you are making two smaller appel strudels instead of one big apple strudel. Coat with oil and let rest for 1 hour in the refrigerator.Tip #1: For best results, let the dough rest overnight in the refrigerator. This helps relax the gluten and prevents tearing when stretchedTip #2: Instead of two small strudels, make one large one and shape it into a horseshoe. It’s easier to handle and makes a beautiful centerpiece.Step 2: Make the Filling Toss chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla sugar, brown sugar, and raisins. Melt the butter and set aside. Step 3: Roll and Fill Roll out the dough on a clean towel until it’s thin enough to see through. Use the backs of your hands to stretch gently. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly. Spread the apple filling across the dough, leaving a border. Fold in the edges and use the towel to roll up the strudel carefully. Step 4: Shape and Bake Place on a lined baking tray, brush with butter, and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Bake at 175°C (fan setting) for 30–40 minutes until golden brown. &nbsp; 🍂 Serving Suggestions Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or a scoop of ice cream. Save the ends as a snack for later—they’re extra crispy! &nbsp; The apple strudel looks and smells divine. I think my Austrian father-in-law would be proud! Nothing beats a homemade strudel, especially when enjoyed from the terrace as autumn gently rolls in.Here’s a collection of the things I use every day — from my camera gear to kitchen tools and home items. You can find them here in my Amazon Storefront:<a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/homeawaysaskia?&amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;tag=homeawaysaski-20&amp;linkId=34fc7925c2cbb3b43f137c6f2347b015&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/homeawaysaskia?&amp;linkCode=sl2&amp;tag=homeawaysaski-20&amp;linkId=34fc7925c2cbb3b43f137c6f2347b015&amp;language=en_US&amp;ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Amazon storefront</a>

Applestrudel

<figure id="figure-kil8bwiuk4mfpd7eg5" class=""><iframe id="kil8bwiuk4mfpd7eg5" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hA48lR1psjw" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/hA48lR1psjw?si=IbubDQzUWZqFgHOY&amp;t=166" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hA48lR1psjw" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>🍌 Easy &amp; Healthy Oatmeal Banana Bread — A Flight Attendant’s Favorite Snack Good morning! I hope you’re soaking up the summer sunshine and savoring every moment. As I reflect on nearly two years of sharing my journey on YouTube, I’m reminded of how my channel began—homeaway Saskia, a blend of life at home and adventures in the skies as a flight attendant.Last year, life took a beautiful turn when I became pregnant. While I paused my travels, I discovered a new passion: baking. My channel transformed into a cozy baking vlog, and today I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes—healthy oatmeal banana bread.&nbsp; ✈️ A Snack That Travels Well This banana bread is a staple in our household. My husband and I often pack it for work—it’s energizing, nutrient-rich, and incredibly easy to make. With just four main ingredients, it’s perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous road trips.&nbsp; 🥣 Ingredients 120g oats 4 eggs 4 ripe bananas Cinnamon to taste Optional add-ins: Raisins, mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, goji berries and mulberries &nbsp; 🔄 Instructions Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Add the eggs, oats, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined. Customize: Stir in your favorite add-ins—today I used raisins and mixed nuts. Pour into a lined or greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly, then slice and enjoy! &nbsp; 💡 Baking Tips Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture. No sugar needed—but feel free to add a touch if you prefer a sweeter loaf. Make it a meal: Pair with fresh orange juice for a vitamin-packed breakfast. Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for several days. Slice and freeze for grab-and-go convenience. &nbsp; Inspired by street vendors I saw during my travels, I now use a manual press to make fresh orange juice—sometimes even with pomegranates! It’s the perfect complement to this hearty banana bread.Here’s a collection of the things I use every day — from my camera gear to kitchen tools and home items. You can find them here in my Amazon Storefront:<a title="Amazon Storefront" href="https://amzn.to/4nqY6qC" data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/4nqY6qC">https://amzn.to/4nqY6qC</a>

Homeaway Saskia

Recipes

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Cheese balls

Pecan pie cheesecake

Applestrudel

Oatmeal Banana Bread